Things were looking mighty fine for the New Orleans Pelicans four games into the season, Anthony Davis was the clear MVP favorite, Nikola Mirotic was knocking down his shots, and new signee Julius Randle was filling the Demarcus Cousins void very nicely.
Then Davis misses three of the last four games, Planter Fascitis soreness hits Julius Randle, and off-season signee Elfrid Payton has been sidelined three games with an ankle injury. While offensively the Pelicans have been just fine, currently third in offensive efficiency and second in points per contest, the defense has been letting them down.